Power conversion integrated circuit and method for programming

ABSTRACT

A single input pin ( 48 ) provides multi-functional features for programming a power supply ( 10 ). By connecting the appropriate interface circuit ( 92, 100,  or  112 ) to the single input pin ( 48 ), the power supply ( 10 ) is programmed for specific behaviors during power up and toggling of an on/off switch ( 96, 108 ). In one mode of operation a light emitting diode ( 106 ) in the interface circuit ( 100 ) is optically coupled to a microprocessor for signaling the closure of the on/off switch ( 108 ), allowing the microprocessor to control the power supply ( 10 ) through an opto-coupler ( 102 ). In another mode of operation, the single on/off switch ( 96 ) controls the power supply ( 10 ). In yet another mode of operation, Zener diode ( 118 ) in the interface circuit ( 112 ) controls the power supply ( 10 ) during brown-out and black-out conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO DOMESTIC PRIORITY

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissueof U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,768. The reissue applications are applicationSer. Nos. 12/914,133 (the present application), 10/946,611, now U.S.Pat. No. Re. 41,908, and 09/709,893, now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 39,933.Application Ser. No. 12/914,133, filed Oct. 28, 2010 (the presentapplication), is a continuation reissue application of application Ser.No. 10/946,611, filed Sep. 20, 2004, which is a continuation reissueapplication of application Ser. No. 09/709,893, filed Nov. 13, 2000,which is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,768, granted onJan. 12, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to integrated circuits and,more particularly, to a power conversion integrated circuit.

A power supply is controlled to be either on or off by a mechanicalswitch or a relay. Typically, additional discrete components that areexternal to the integrated circuit adapt the power supply for use inapplications such as cable converters for television sets, computermonitors, video cassette recorders (VCRs), battery chargers for portablecommunications devices, computer printers, and other electronic systems.

Depending on the particular application, the on/off circuitry of a powersupply control circuit includes components such as opto-couplers,latches, resistors, and capacitors. Monolithic circuit integrationminimizes the number of components external to the integrated circuitand reduces the cost of power supplies. The number and types of externalcomponents along with the cost of the integrated circuit package providefunctionality that differentiates among different power supplies.Typically, a switching regulator without on/off circuitry ismanufactured in a three pin package. A drawback of these three pinpackage configurations is that they offer limited functionality withinthe package.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have an inexpensive integratedpower supply controller that is capable of operating with many differentpower supplies. It would be of further advantage for the power supplycontroller to have a minimal number of discrete external components forcontrolling the power supply on/off switch circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power supply in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a state circuit for use in the powersupply of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interface switch circuit for usewith the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a microprocessor interface switchcircuit for use with the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a brown-out interface circuit for usewith the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Generally, the present invention provides a circuit with at least fourmodes of operation for controlling the on/off features of a powersupply. By connecting an appropriate interface circuit to a state inputpin, the power supply is programmed for specific behaviors when power isapplied or when the interface circuitry is activated. Thus, themulti-functionality provided by a state circuit that is integrated witha control circuit is a cost effective solution for controlling the powersupply.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power supply 10 in accordance with thepresent invention. Power supply 10 includes a full-wave bridge rectifier12, capacitors 14, 24, and 34, diodes 22 and 32, a transformer 16, acompensated error amplifier 42, and a power converter circuit 44. Inparticular, full-wave bridge rectifier 12 has a ground connection, apair of inputs for receiving a line voltage, e.g., 110 volts alternatingcurrent (VAC), 220 volts VAC, etc. An output of full-wave bridgerectifier 12 supplies a rectified output signal that is filtered byfilter capacitor 14. Filter capacitor 14 has a terminal connected to theoutput of full-wave bridge rectifier 12 and a terminal connected to apower supply potential such as, for example, ground.

Transformer 16 has a primary side or winding 18 having two terminals, asecondary winding 20 having two terminals, and a secondary winding 30having two terminals. In particular, one terminal of primary winding 18is connected to the output of full-wave bridge rectifier 12, and theother terminal of primary winding 18 is connected to a switch output pin40 of power converter circuit 44.

Secondary winding 20 has a first terminal connected to an anode of adiode 22. A cathode of diode 22 is commonly connected to a firstterminal of capacitor 24 and to a terminal 26. The second terminal ofcapacitor 24 is commonly connected to the second terminal of secondarywinding 20 and to a terminal 28. Compensated error amplifier 42 has aninput connected to terminal 26, an input connected to terminal 28, andan output connected to feedback pin 46.

Secondary winding 30 has a first terminal connected to an anode of diode32. A cathode of diode 32 is commonly connected to a first terminal ofcapacitor 34 and to a bias pin 36 of power converter circuit 44. Thesecond terminal of capacitor 34 is commonly connected to the secondterminal of secondary winding 30 and to a potential such as, forexample, ground.

Power converter circuit 44 is a switched mode power supply integratedcircuit or a power conversion integrated circuit having five electricalconnection terminals: (1) a bias pin 36, (2) a ground pin 38, (3) afeedback pin 46, (4) a state pin 48, and (5) a switch output pin 40.Power converter circuit 44 is a semiconductor chip that includes a statecircuit 50, a control circuit 52 having an internal regulator, and atransistor 54. State circuit 50 has an input connected to bias pin 36and another input coupled to state pin 48 of power converter circuit 44.Another input of state circuit 50 is connected to an output of controlcircuit 52 and receives a logic under-voltage control signal (LOGIC).Another input of state circuit 50 receives an analog under-voltagecontrol signal (ANALOG) and is connected to a second output of controlcircuit 52. An output of state circuit 50 provides a signal MODE and isconnected to a control input of control circuit 52. Control circuit 52has an input connected to bias pin 36 and another input connected tofeedback pin 46 of power converter circuit 44. An output of controlcircuit 52 is connected to a gate of transistor 54. Both state circuit50 and control circuit 52 are connected to ground pin 38. A drain oftransistor 54 is connected to switch output pin 40 and a source isconnected to ground pin 38. As those skilled in the art are aware, agate of a transistor serves as a control terminal and the drain andsource of a transistor serve as current conduction terminals. It shouldbe noted that transistor 54 can be an insulated gate bipolar transistor(IGBT), a bipolar transistor, etc.

In operation, the line voltage, e.g., 110 VAC, is rectified by full-wavebridge rectifier 12 and filtered by capacitor 14. Secondary winding 20provides a signal that is used to supply the operating power toelectronic systems such as cable converters, computer monitors, videocassette recorders (VCRs), battery chargers, computer printers, etc.Compensated error amplifier 42 provides a feedback signal to powerconverter circuit 44 that is proportional to the DC output signal. Theoutput of compensated error amplifier 42 may be optically, electrically,magnetically, mechanically, or other means coupled to feedback pin 46 ofpower converter circuit 44.

The feedback signal is used by control circuit 52 for altering the pulsewidth of the signal that is supplied to the control terminal oftransistor 54. Thus, compensated error amplifier 42 alters the pulsewidth of the output signal at switch output pin 40 in accordance withthe voltage developed across terminals 26 and 28. The variable pulsewidth modifies the current in transformer 16, thereby regulating thevoltage of the DC output signal. In addition, the bias voltage developedat bias pin 36 from secondary winding 30 can used as the operatingsupply voltage of state circuit 50 and control circuit 52. The biasvoltage developed at bias pin 36 can alternately be derived fromsecondary winding 20. It should be noted that compensated erroramplifier 42 can be replaced with a high gain comparator, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of state circuit 50 in accordance with thepresent invention. State circuit 50 includes a reference generator 60, areset circuit 65, a positive detector circuit 76, a negative detectorcircuit 78, and a mode memory circuit 90. Positive detector circuit 76and negative detector circuit 78 are referred to as a comparatorcircuit. In particular, reference generator 60 includes resistors 62,64, 66, 68, 70, and 72, and a voltage clamp circuit 74. The firstterminals of resistors 62 and 64 are commonly connected to state pin 48which is connected to an input of state circuit 50. The second terminalof resistor 62 is connected to a power supply conductor which is coupledfor receiving a voltage such as, for example, V_(cc), and the secondterminal of resistor 64 is connected to a power supply conductor whichis coupled for receiving a reference voltage of, for example, ground.The first terminals of resistors 66 and 68 are commonly connected andform a node 67. The second terminal of resistor 66 is connected to thepower supply conductor which is coupled for receiving the referencevoltage of, for example, V_(cc). The second terminal of resistor 68 andthe first terminal of resistor 70 are commonly connected and form a node69. The second terminal of resistor 70 and the first terminal ofresistor 72 are commonly connected and form a node 71. The secondterminal of resistor 72 is connected to a power supply conductor whichis coupled for receiving a reference voltage of, for example, ground. Itshould be noted that the power supply conductor connected to ground isalso connected to the external ground reference or ground pin 38 ofpower converter circuit 44 (FIG. 1). Voltage clamp circuit 74 has aninput connected to node 69 and an output connected to state pin 48. Byway of example, voltage clamp circuit 74 is a PNP transistor 75 having abase terminal connected to the input of voltage clamp 74, an emitterterminal connected to the output of voltage clamp circuit 74, and acollector terminal connected to a potential of, for example, ground.

The resistors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 of reference generator 60 (FIG.2) set reference voltages that determine the logic values of the signalsat the outputs of comparators 77 and 80. By way of example, resistor 62has a value of about 160 kilohms (KΩs), resistor 64 has a value of about115 KΩs, resistor 66 has a value of about 150 KΩs, resistor 68 has avalue of about 19 KΩs, resistor 70 has a value of about 58 KΩs, andresistor 72 has a value of about 55 KΩs. Resistors 62 and 64 form aresistor divider network that provides a voltage of about 2.4 volts atstate pin 48 when external components are not connected at that pin. Itshould be further noted that resistors 66, 68, 70, and 72 form anotherresistor divider network that provides voltages at nodes 67 and 71 ofabout 2.9 volts and about 1.1 volts, respectively. The referencevoltages described are for a V_(cc) of approximately 5.8 volts. Itshould be noted that reference generator 60 can be configured with othercombinations of resistors or alternately configured with combinations ofresistors and semiconductor devices.

Positive detector circuit 76 includes a comparator 77 having anon-inverting input connected to an input of positive detector circuit76, and thus to node 67 of reference generator 60. An inverting input ofcomparator 77 is connected to an input of positive detector circuit 76and thus to state pin 48 of reference generator 60. An output ofcomparator 77 is connected to an output of positive detector circuit 76.Negative detector circuit 78 includes a comparator 80 connected to apulse filter 82. Comparator 80 has a non-inverting input connected to aninput of negative detector circuit 78 and thus to node 71 of referencegenerator 60. An inverting input of comparator 80 is connected to aninput of negative detector circuit 78 and thus to state pin 48 ofreference generator 60. An output of comparator 80 is coupled to anoutput of negative detector circuit 78 through pulse filter 82.

Reset circuit 65 receives an input signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE and has anoutput connected to state pin 48.

Mode memory circuit 90 includes a two-input NAND gate 84, a logiccircuit 86, and a positive edge triggered toggle flip-flop 88. Inparticular, two-input NAND gate 84 has an input connected to the outputof positive detector circuit 76, the other input is coupled forreceiving the signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE. When the voltage V_(cc) beginsto ramp from a starting voltage of zero volts, the signal LOGICUNDER-VOLTAGE has an initial logic zero value that is switched to alogic one value at a predetermined voltage. By way of example, thepredetermined voltage is a voltage potential that is sufficiently highto allow logic circuitry to properly operate. In other words, the signalLOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE has a logic one value when the voltage V_(cc) issufficiently above the predetermined voltage and a logic zero value whenbelow the predetermined voltage.

Logic circuit 86 has an input R coupled for receiving the signal LOGICUNDER-VOLTAGE, an input S connected to the output of negative detectorcircuit 78, and an enable input E coupled for receiving the signalANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE. The signal ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE has a logic onevalue when the voltage V_(cc) is sufficiently high for transistors (notshown) such as, for example, the transistors in comparators 77 and 80,to operate in an analog mode. When the voltage V_(cc) is not high enoughfor transistors to operate in the analog mode the signal ANALOGUNDER-VOLTAGE has a logic zero value.

It should be noted that when a signal having a logic zero value isreceived at the input R of logic circuit 86, the output signal at outputQ of logic circuit 86 has a logic zero value. It should be further notedthat when a signal having a logic one value is received at the input Sof logic circuit 86, the output signal at output Q of logic circuit 86has a logic one value. Should logic circuit 86 receive both a signalhaving a logic zero value at the input R and a signal having a logic onevalue at the input S, the circuit responds to the signal received at theinput R. In other words, when both a set and a reset occur together, thereset function has precedence. It should be noted that the output Q canonly transition from a logic zero value to a logic one value when theenable input, i.e., the signal ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE, is a logic one.

Toggle flip-flop 88 has an input S connected to the output of NAND gate84, an input CLK connected to the output of logic circuit 86, and anoutput that also serves as the output of state circuit 50. It should benoted that the output signal of toggle flip-flop 88 can be set to alogic one value when the input S receives a logic one signal. Otherwise,the stored value of the output signal changes output state in responseto logic transitions at input CLK, i.e., the stored value is toggledwhen the input CLK transitions from a logic zero value to a logic onevalue. It should be noted that if the signal at the input CLKtransitions while the signal at input S is a logic one, then flip-flop88 responds to a logic one signal at input S and ignores the signal atthe input CLK.

In operation, the power supply conductor V_(cc) initially starts at avoltage of about zero volts and ramps to a higher voltage value,increasing in voltage to a voltage greater than 5.8 volts. As thevoltage V_(cc) begins to ramp from zero volts, the signals LOGICUNDER-VOLTAGE and ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE initially have logic zero values.The signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE is set to a logic one when the voltageV_(cc) exceeds about 3.5 volts. The signal ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE is setto a logic one value when the voltage V_(cc) exceeds about 4.8 volts.

In a first operating mode, no external components are connected to statepin 48. With the application of the line voltage, the voltage for V_(cc)increases from zero volts. The signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE has a logiczero value when the voltage V_(cc) is in the range of about 0 volts toabout 3.5 volts. The logic zero value for the signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGEcauses both the output of logic circuit 86 to have a logic zero valueand the output of toggle flip-flop 88 to have a logic one value. Whenthe signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE is at a logic zero value, input state pin48 is pulled to ground through reset circuit 65. When the voltage V_(cc)increases above a voltage of about 3.5 volts the output of reset circuit65 becomes a high impedance output. With no external components, thevoltage at state pin 48 is determined by the values of resistors 62 and64. In this first mode of operation the voltage on state pin 48 isbetween the reference voltages at nodes 67 and 71, the signal at theoutput of comparator 77 has a logic one value, and the output ofcomparator 80 has a logic zero value. Thus, the signal MODE is a logicone and power supply 10 (FIG. 1) is on.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interface switch circuit for usewith the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention. In a second operating mode, switch interfacecircuit 92 is connected to state circuit 50 for controlling theoperation of power supply 10 (FIG. 1). Briefly referring to FIG. 3,switch interface circuit 92 includes a resistor 94, a push-button ormechanical switch 96, and a capacitor 98. In particular, a firstterminal of resistor 94 is connected to a first terminal of switch 96.The second terminal of resistor 94 is connected to a power supplyconductor that is coupled for receiving a voltage such as, for example,ground, and the second terminal of switch 96 is connected to a firstterminal of capacitor 98, forming node 48A. Node 48A is connected tostate pin 48 in this mode of operation. The second terminal of capacitor98 is connected to a power supply conductor such as, for example,ground.

The reference voltage or reference signal at node 67 is transmitted tothe non-inverting input of comparator 77 and the voltage at state pin 48is transmitted to the inverting input of comparator 77. If the voltageat state pin 48 is less than the reference voltage at node 67, theoutput of comparator 77 is a logic one value. On the other hand, if thevoltage at state pin 48 is greater than the reference voltage at node67, the output of comparator 77 is a logic zero value. The referencevoltage or reference signal at node 71 is transmitted to thenon-inverting input of comparator 80 and the voltage at state pin 48 istransmitted to the inverting input of comparator 80. If the voltage atstate pin 48 is greater than the reference voltage at node 71, theoutput of comparator 80 is a logic zero value. On the other hand, if thevoltage at state pin 48 is less than the reference voltage at node 71,the output of comparator 80 is a logic one value. Together, comparators77 and 80 determine whether the voltage at state pin 48 is between thereference voltages at nodes 67 and 71.

In the second mode of operation, switch 96 allows for manuallycontrolling whether power supply 10 (FIG. 1) is in an on-operating stateor an off-operating state. Initially, the signals LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGEand ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE have logic zero values. The signal LOGICUNDER-VOLTAGE causes the output of logic circuit 86 to have a logic onevalue, and for state pin 48 to be grounded by reset circuit 65 anddischarge capacitor 98. The output of NAND gate 84 is a logic one valuethat sets the output of toggle flip-flop 88 to a logic one value.

With the application of the line voltage to full-wave bridge rectifier12, the voltage V_(cc) (see FIG. 2) is increased from the startingvoltage of zero volts. As the voltage for V_(cc) increases above about3.5 volts the signal LOGIC UNDER-VOLTAGE changes to a logic one value.In addition, the output of reset circuit 65 becomes high impedanceallowing capacitor 98 to charge. A further increase in the voltageV_(cc) above about 4.8 volts causes the signal ANALOG UNDER-VOLTAGE tobe set to a logic one value which enables logic circuit 86. The outputof comparator 80 being at a logic one value signifies that capacitor 98is at a value that is less than the voltage at node 71. The logic onevalue at the output of comparator 80 causes the output of logic circuit86 to transition from a logic zero value to a logic one value. When thelogic zero value at the CLK input transitions to a logic one value thepreviously stored value of toggle flip-flop 88 is toggled. Thus, theoutput signal MODE has a logic zero value and power supply 10 is in anoff state.

When switch 96 is closed, capacitor 98 is discharged through switch 96and resistor 94. The voltage at state pin 48 drops below the referencevoltage at node 71 causing comparator 80 to provide a logic one to inputS of logic circuit 86. The output of logic circuit 86 transitions to alogic one value causing toggle flip-flop 88 to change states such thatthe signal MODE is a logic one value and power supply 10 is in an onstate. With each closure of switch 96 the output of logic circuit 86transitions from a logic zero to a logic one causing the stored data intoggle flip-flop 88 to change state, provided that capacitor 98 wascharged above the reference voltage at node 71.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a microprocessor interface switchcircuit for use with the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention. In a third operating mode,a microprocessor interface switch circuit 100 (FIG. 4) is connected tostate circuit 50 (FIG. 2) for controlling the operation of power supply10 (FIG. 1). A first terminal of capacitor 110 and the collectorterminal of opto-coupler 102 are commonly connected, forming node 48B.Node 48B is connected to state pin 48 of state circuit 50. The secondterminal of capacitor 110 and the emitter terminal of opto-coupler 102are connected to a power supply conductor at a potential of, forexample, ground. The base terminal is coupled for receiving a codedlight signal. Resistor 104 has a terminal connected to state pin 48 andthe other terminal connected to a cathode of LED 106. An anode of LED106 is connected to a first terminal of switch 108. A second terminal ofswitch 108 is connected to a power supply conductor coupled forreceiving a voltage such as, for example, V_(cc). It should be notedthat switch 108 may be a push-button switch that is closed while thebutton is depressed, i.e., a momentary closure.

In the third mode of operation, state circuit 50 is powered on such thatthe signal MODE has a logic zero value. Capacitor 110 delays thecharging of state pin 48 so that the output of comparator 80 has a logicone value, which turns off power supply 10. The momentary closure ofswitch 108 causes LED 106 to emit light and transmit a signal to, forexample, a microprocessor (not shown). When switch 108 is closed, statepin 48 is pulled high through switch 108, LED 106, and resistor 104. Thevoltage at state pin 48 is clamped by voltage clamp circuit 74 such thatLED 106 is always forward biased and emitting light when switch 108 isclosed. When switch 108 is closed the output of comparator 77 becomes alogic zero value signifying that the voltage on state pin 48 is abovethe reference voltage established at node 67 by the resistor dividernetwork. The logic zero value sets the signal MODE to a logic one valuefor turning on power supply 10 (FIG. 1).

When the signal MODE is a logic one and power supply 10 is on, anothermomentary closure of switch 108 signals the microprocessor through lightemitted by LED 106 of a request to shut down power supply 10. Themicroprocessor can signal through opto-coupler 102 a confirmation toshut down power supply 10. If signaled by the microprocessor,opto-coupler 102 pulls state pin 48 to ground and the output ofcomparator 80 becomes a logic one signifying that the voltage on statepin 48 is below the reference voltage at node 71 of reference generator60. The output of logic circuit 86 transitions to a logic one valuecausing toggle flip-flop 88 to change states such that the signal MODEis a logic zero value and power supply 10 is off. The microprocessor“reads” each momentary closure of switch 108 by the light emitted fromLED 106. The state of toggle flip-flop 88 is changed in accordance withthe signal received by opto-coupler 102. Thus, the momentary closure ofswitch 108 allows the microprocessor to control when power supply 10 isturned on or turned off.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a brown-out interface circuit for usewith the state circuit of FIG. 1 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This fourth operating mode includesusing brown-out interface circuit 112 (FIG. 5) with state circuit 50(FIG. 2) for controlling the operation of power supply 10 (FIG. 1).Briefly referring to FIG. 5, resistor 114 has a first terminal commonlyconnected to a first terminal of resistor 116 and to a terminal ofcapacitor 120, forming node 48C. Node 48C is connected to state pin 48of state circuit 50. A second terminal of resistor 114 is connected to apower supply conductor such as, for example, ground. The other terminalof capacitor 120 is connected to a power supply conductor which isoperating at a potential of, for example, ground. The second terminal ofresistor 116 is connected to an anode of Zener diode 118. A cathode ofZener diode 118 is connected to a voltage such as, for example, arectified line voltage.

In the fourth mode of operation, state circuit 50 is powered on and thesignal MODE is at a logic one value. The output of comparator 77 has alogic zero value indicating that the voltage on state pin 48 has a valueabove the reference voltage at node 67. The logic zero value at theinput of NAND gate 84 causes the signal MODE to have a logic one valueand power supply 10 (FIG. 1) to be on. Brown-out interface circuit 112(FIG. 5) detects either a brown-out or a black-out condition on the linevoltage received by full-wave bridge rectifier 12 (FIG. 1). A brown-outoccurs when the line voltage is below the predetermined rectifiedvoltage as set by Zener diode 118. A black-out occurs when the linevoltage is substantially zero volts. By way of example, Zener diode 118has a reverse bias voltage of about 80 volts. During either a brown-outor a black-out, about 80 volts is dropped across Zener diode 118. Theresistor values for resistors 114 and 116 are selected to cause thevoltage on state pin 48 to drop below the reference voltage at node 71of reference generator 60 during either a brown-out or a black-outcondition. The output of comparator 80 transitions to a logic one valueduring either a brown-out or black-out. The output of logic circuit 86transitions to a logic one value, causing toggle flip-flop 88 to changestates from a logic one value to a logic zero value, thereby turning offpower supply 10. When neither the brown-out nor the black-out conditionis present, pin 48 is pulled high. The output of comparator 77 is alogic zero value when the voltage at state pin 48 is above the referencevoltage at node 67. A logic one value at the input S of toggle flip-flop88 causes the signal MODE to be a logic one value, thereby turning offpower supply 10.

State circuit 50, interface circuits 92 and 100 have been described withreferences with respect to ground. It should be noted that logic instate circuit 50 and interface circuits 92 and 100 can be reconfiguredto function with respect to the reference voltage V_(cc). It should befurther noted that state circuit 50 can also be reconfigured to functionwith opposite polarity logic at state pin 48.

It should be noted that capacitors 98, 110, and 120 as described inFIGS. 3, 4, and 5 can be selected to assure that power supply 10 isinitially programmed in the off state when the line voltage is applied.On the other hand, power supply 10 can be programmed in the on statewhen the line voltage is applied by removing capacitors 98, 110, and120. It should be further noted that capacitors 98, 110, and 120 can beselected to provide noise immunity without affecting the initiallyprogrammed on/off state.

By now it should be appreciated that a structure and method have beenprovided for controlling the on/off status of a programmable powersupply. The integrated power supply controller is inexpensive andprovides a cost effective system solution for switching power suppliesby reducing the number of external components. It has further been shownthat additional functionality has been provided through amulti-functional input for controlling the on/off switching function ofa power supply.

We claim:
 1. A power conversion integrated circuit, comprising: a state circuit having an output that supplies a mode signal, wherein the state circuit includes a comparator having a first input coupled for receiving a control signal and a second input coupled for receiving a first reference signal, and a memory circuit having a first input coupled to an output of the comparator for setting an output state of the memory circuit according to a value of the control signal; and a control circuit coupled for receiving the mode signal that sets a mode of operation, where the control circuit is responsive to a feedback signal for providing a pulse-width modulated control signal.
 2. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the comparator includes: a first comparator having a first input coupled for receiving the control signal, a second input coupled for receiving the first reference signal, and an output coupled to the first input of the memory circuit; and a second comparator having a first input coupled for receiving the control signal, a second input coupled for receiving a second reference signal, and an output coupled to a second input of the memory circuit.
 3. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 2, further including a resistor divider network for generating the first reference signal at a first output and the second reference signal at a second output.
 4. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the resistor divider network includes: a first resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the first resistor coupled to a first power supply conductor; a second resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the second resistor coupled to the second terminal of the first resistor and serving as the first output of the resistor divider network; and a third resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the third resistor coupled to the second terminal of the second resistor and serving as the second output of the resistor divider network, and the second terminal of the third resistor coupled to a second power supply conductor.
 5. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 4, further including a pulse filter having an input coupled to the output of the second comparator and an output coupled to the second input of the memory circuit.
 6. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory circuit has at least one storage element for storing an operating mode of the power conversion integrated circuit.
 7. The power conversion integrated circuit of claim 1, further including a reset circuit having an input coupled to a logic under voltage signal and an output coupled to the control signal.
 8. A semiconductor chip having at least four external electrical connections, comprising: an internal regulator; a state circuit having an output coupled to a control input of the internal regulator; a first electrical connection terminal for coupling an external ground reference to an internal ground reference of the internal regulator; a second electrical connection terminal for providing a pulse-width modulated output signal from an output of the internal regulator; a third electrical connection terminal coupled for receiving a feedback signal at an input of the internal regulator to control the pulse-width modulated output signal; and a fourth electrical connection terminal coupled for receiving a control signal which is applied to the state circuit to set a mode of operation of the internal regulator.
 9. The semiconductor chip of claim 8, further comprising a fifth electrical connection terminal coupled for receiving a bias voltage which is applied to the state circuit and to the internal regulator.
 10. A programmable power supply, comprising: a transformer receiving a rectified signal at a primary side of the transformer; a state circuit having an input and an output for setting a mode of operation of the programmable power supply, wherein the state circuit includes, a comparator circuit having a first input coupled to the input of the state circuit for receiving a control signal and a second input coupled for receiving a first reference signal, and a memory circuit having a first input coupled to an output of the comparator for setting an output state of the memory circuit according to a value of the control signal where the output state of the memory circuit controls the mode of operation; a control circuit coupled for receiving the output state of the memory circuit and wherein the control circuit is responsive to a feedback signal for providing a pulse-width modulated control signal; and a transistor having a control terminal for receiving the pulse-width modulated control signal, a first conduction terminal coupled to the primary side of the transformer, and a second conduction terminal coupled to ground.
 11. The programmable power supply of claim 10, wherein the comparator circuit includes: a first comparator having a first input coupled for receiving the control signal, a second input coupled for receiving the first reference signal, and an output coupled to the first input of the memory circuit; and a second comparator having a first input coupled for receiving the control signal, a second input coupled for receiving a second reference signal, and an output coupled to a second input of the memory circuit.
 12. The programmable power supply of claim 10, further including a resistor divider network for generating a first reference signal at a first output and a second reference signal at a second output.
 13. The programmable power supply of claim 12, wherein the resistor divider network includes: a first resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the first resistor coupled to a first power supply conductor; a second resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the second resistor coupled to the second terminal of the first resistor and serving as the first output of the resistor divider network; and a third resistor having first and second terminals, the first terminal of the third resistor coupled to the second terminal of the second resistor and serving as the second output of the resistor divider network, and the second terminal of the third resistor coupled to a second power supply conductor.
 14. A method for controlling a mode of operation of a power converter, comprising the steps of: controlling a pulse-width modulated output signal of the power converter in response to a feedback signal; and setting a memory state according to a comparison between a control signal and a first reference signal where the memory state controls the mode of operation of the power converter.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: monitoring a signal at an input pin; and maintaining a same operating state when the input pin receives a voltage about midway between an operating potential and a ground reference.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of requesting an on-operating state when a power supply is off and an input pin receives a voltage greater than a first reference voltage.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of requesting a toggle condition when a power supply is on and an input pin receives a voltage greater than a first reference voltage.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of requesting that an output state be toggled when a power supply is on and an input pin receives a voltage less than a second reference voltage.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of operating in an off-operating state when a brown-out occurs that includes receiving a signal that is proportional to a line voltage that is less than a second reference voltage.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of operating in an off-operating state when a black-out occurs that includes receiving a signal that is proportional to a line voltage that is less than a second reference voltage.
 21. A power converter circuit, comprising: a pulse width modulated (PWM) control circuit configured to produce a control signal at an output of the PWM control circuit in response to a feedback signal received at a first input of the PWM control circuit; and a state circuit configured to prevent the control signal from switching only during a value of a state control signal received at an input of the state circuit, the state circuit including, (a) a first comparator configured to produce a first signal at an output of the first comparator based on a comparison between the state control signal and a first reference, (b) a second comparator configured to produce a second signal at an output of the second comparator based on a comparison between the state control signal and a second reference, and (c) a logic circuit including an output coupled to a second input of the PWM control circuit and configured to produce a mode signal at the output of the logic circuit in response to decoding the outputs of the first and second comparators and setting the PWM control circuit to a non-operational off-state to conserve energy for an extended period of time as determined by the state control signal, wherein the power converter circuit is provided in a monolithic integrated circuit package and the input of the state circuit is coupled to a pin of the monolithic integrated circuit package.
 22. The power converter circuit of claim 21, wherein the mode signal takes on a logic zero value or a logic one value.
 23. A semiconductor package, comprising: a first electrical connection to the semiconductor package; a second electrical connection to the semiconductor package; a third electrical connection to the semiconductor package; a control circuit configured to generate a control signal at an output of the control circuit in response to a feedback signal received at the first electrical connection; and a chip disable circuit configured to generate a mode signal that prevents the control signal of the control circuit from switching during a value of a state control signal received at the second electrical connection to the semiconductor package, the chip disable circuit including (a) a first comparator configured to generate a first signal at an output of the first comparator based on a comparison between the state control signal and a first reference, (b) a second comparator configured to generate a second signal at an output of the second comparator based on a comparison between the state control signal and a second reference that is different from the first reference, and (c) a logic circuit including an output coupled to an input of the control circuit and configured to generate the mode signal at the output of the logic circuit in response to decoding the outputs of the first and second comparators and setting the regulator circuit to a non-operational off-state.
 24. The semiconductor package of claim 23, further comprising a transistor configured to generate a switching signal at the third electrical connection in response to the control signal, the transistor including a control terminal coupled to the output of the control circuit, the transistor further including a conduction terminal coupled to the third electrical connection.
 25. The semiconductor package of claim 24, wherein the mode signal maintains the control circuit and the transistor in a non-switching state for a period of time as determined by the state control signal.
 26. The semiconductor package of claim 23, wherein the control circuit comprises a pulse width modulator.
 27. The semiconductor package of claim 24, wherein the transistor comprises a bipolar transistor.
 28. The semiconductor package of claim 24, wherein the transistor comprises an insulated gate bipolar transistor.
 29. An integrated circuit package including a power supply regulator circuit, the power supply regulator circuit comprising: a first comparator configured to generate a first signal at an output of the first comparator based on a comparison between a state control signal received at a pin of the integrated circuit package and a first reference, the state control signal controlling an on-state and an off-state of the power supply regulator circuit; a second comparator configured to generate a second signal at an output of the second comparator based on a comparison between the state control signal and a second reference; a logic circuit configured to generate a value of a mode signal at an output of the logic circuit during a first value of the first signal and a second value of the second signal; and a control circuit configured to generate a control signal at an output of the control circuit in response to a feedback signal applied to a first input of the control circuit and the mode signal, a second input of the control circuit coupled to receive the mode signal at the output of the logic circuit, wherein the logic circuit decodes output states of the first and second comparators to set the power supply regulator circuit to the on-state or the off-state for a period of time as determined by the state control signal.
 30. The integrated circuit package of claim 29, the power supply regulator circuit further comprising a transistor configured to generate a switching signal at an output of the power supply regulator circuit in response to the control signal, the transistor including a control terminal coupled to the output of the control circuit, the transistor further including a conduction terminal coupled to the output of the power supply regular circuit.
 31. The integrated circuit package of claim 30, wherein the control signal is prevented from switching in response to the mode signal, thereby placing the control circuit and the transistor in a non-switching state and the power supply regulator circuit in the off-state.
 32. The integrated circuit package of claim 31, wherein the control circuit remains in the non-switching state while the mode signal is in a first state.
 33. The integrated circuit package of claim 29, wherein the control circuit comprises a pulse width modulator.
 34. A method of controlling an operational state of a power conversion control circuit in a semiconductor package, comprising: receiving a state control signal at a pin of the semiconductor package for controlling an operational state of a power conversion control circuit; comparing the state control signal to a first reference and to a second reference less than the first reference; generating a first value of a mode signal during a second value of the state control signal, the first value of the mode signal being dependent upon the comparing of the state control signal to the first reference and the second reference; and setting the operational state of the power conversion control circuit to one of a plurality of operational states in response to the mode signal depending on whether the state control signal is greater than the first reference value, or the state control signal is between the first and second reference values, or the state control signal is less than the second reference value.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein setting the operational state of the power conversion control circuit comprises: setting the operational state to a first state as a result of the state control signal being less than the second reference; setting the operational state to a second state as a result of the state control signal being greater than the second reference but less than the first reference; and setting the operational state to a third state as a result of the state control signal being greater than the first reference.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein setting the operational state to one of the first, second, or third states comprises preventing a control signal that is generated by the power conversion control circuit from switching.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein preventing the control signal from switching comprises preventing the control signal from transitioning from a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a feedback signal.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein preventing the control signal from transitioning comprises maintaining the control signal at a logic zero value.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein preventing the control signal from transitioning comprises maintaining the control signal at a logic one value. 